Sex & Gender: how they differ EXPECTATION

Sex- Refers to the genetic/physiological or biological Stay at home Don’t make women do
characteristics of a person.
Just obey hard work
-physical attributes pertaining to a person’s body
Don’t assert always be smart
contour, features, genitals, hormones, genes,
chromosomes and reproductive organs/function. Don’t participate in get the best
o The female produces egg cell Deciding don’t cry
o The male provides the sperm that fertilizes it.

Gender- refers to the socially differentiated roles,

WOMEN MEN
characteristics and expectations attributed by
cultural to women and men and the relationship Weak strong
between them.
Oppressed dominating
-a term that implies the cultural roles expected of a
person. Followers leaders

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SEX & GENDER Second class always on top

SEX Owned owner

 Biologically determined
 Universal for all human beings Gender roles, expectations, and perceptions box men
 Unchanging and women into situations that constraints their;
 Inborn
Capacity TO DO: ability or power
GENDER
-to do productive and satisfying work
 Constructed by society
 Multi-faceted differs within and between -to have control over one’s income and benefit from it
cultures -to enjoy nature and the natural environment
 Dynamic, changes over time
 Acquired Capacity TO BE: a right and opportunity

ATTRIBUTES OF SEX AND GENDER -to be knowledgeable and skillful, confident of own
abilities and comfortable with achievements,
SEX GENDER independence and power.
Maleness Masculinity
Femaleness Femininity Manifestation of GENDER BIAS
GENDER ROLE IS LEARNED GENDER STEREOTYPING
“Gender role is a behavior, attitudes values, beliefs Common gender stereotypes
that a particular cultural group considers appropriate
for males and females on the basis of their biological WOMEN are: MEN are:
sex. Gender ROLES and EXPECTATIONS are learned” Submissive aggressive
FEMININE MASCULINE Emotional no emotion
PERCEPTION Quiet loud
Weak strong Neat messy
Emotional rational Clumsy athlete
Secondary primary Artsy math & science oriented
Can’t think can’t feel Housewife moneymaker
ROLES Childrearing naughty
No hard works hard work
No leadership leader
Not a boss boss
No decision making no care-giving
GENDER STEREOTYPING Gender equality means that women and men enjoy
the same opportunities, rights and obligations in all
-liberation from stereotyped images
spheres of life.
-non-sexist child-rearing
VIOLENCE
-non-sexist language
Physical
Samples of non-sexist language
 Using coercion and threats
Man alternative  Using economic abuse
 Using children
Chairman chairperson/Chair
Sexual
Foreman supervisor
 Using intimidation
Mailman mail carrier/postal worker
 Using emotional abuse
Fireman fire fighter  Using isolation
 Denying
Policeman police officer
 Blaming
Businessman business executive/person
NON-VIOLENCE
Congressman member of congress
 Negotiation and fairness
Representative  Economic partnership
 Shared responsibility
legislator
 Responsible parenting
 Non-threatening behavior
 Respect
MULTIPLE BURDEN
 Trust and support
Involvement in the three spheres of work:  Honestly and accountability
reproductive, productive and community work
SEXUALITY AND GENDER
 Parenting
Sexual orientation- refers to a person’s emotional and
 Housework
sexual attraction to a particular sex (male or female)
 Volunteer community work
 Work in the public sphere/informal sector 4 CATEGORIES OF SEXUAL ORIENTATION

MULTIPLE BURDEN Heterosexuality- attraction to individuals of the

opposite sex.
-gender division of labor: the assignment of tasks and
roles to men and women on account sex Homosexuality- attraction to individuals of one’s own
sex
-shared parenting
Bisexuality-attraction to individuals of either sex
-shared housework
Asexuality- no attraction to either sex
-shared breadwinning
Heterosexual and homosexual may also be referred
Who perpetuates gender bias? to informally as “straight” and “gay” respectively.
 FAMILY SEX- is a label (male or female) that you’re assigned
 SCHOOL by a doctor at birth based on the genitals you’re born
 LANGUAGE with and the chromosomes you have. It goes on your
 CHURCH birth certificate
 MEDIA
GENDER- is much more complex
What should we do?
-It’s a social and legal status, and set of expectations
PROMOTE GENDER EQUALITY! from society, about behaviors, characteristics, and
thoughts.
-freedom from violence
-Each culture has standards about the way that
-freedom from harassment
people should be based on their gender.
-personhood development/self-esteem
-Gender is a social and cultural construction.
-control over one’s body
GENDER IDENTITY- is how you feel inside and how A person who is gender fluid may always feel like mix
you express your gender through clothing, behavior, of the two traditional genders, but may feel more
and personal appearance, it’s a feeling that begins man some days, and more woman other days.
very early in life.
Genderqueer- a gender identity label often used by
people who do not identify w/ the binary of
man/woman.
SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENDER IDENTITY AND
EXPRESSIONS (SOGIE) Pansexual- a person who experiences sexual,
romantic, physical, and/or spiritual attraction for
ASEXUAL- not sexually attracted to anyone.
member of all gender identities/expressions.
BISEXUAL- attracted to people of one’s own gender
Gender role- refers to society’s concept of how men
and people of other gender(s).
and women are expected to act and how they should
GAY-generally refers to a man who is attracted to behave.
men.
These role are based on norms, or standards, created
LESBIAN- a woman who is attracted to women. by society.

Sometimes also or alternately “same-gender-loving Masculine roles are usually associated w/ strength,
woman” or “woman loving woman” aggression, and dominance.

Some of the common terminology associated with Feminine roles- are usually associated w/ passivity,
sexuality includes: nurturing and subordination.

Heterosexual or straight- refers to when people tend Role learning starts w/ socialization at birth.
to be attracted to the opposite sex or gender.
One way children learn gender roles is through play.
Agender- someone who sees themselves as existing
R.A 7877-“Anti-sexual harassment act of 1995”
w/out gender: sometimes called gender neutral or
genderless. SECTION 1- an act declaring sexual harassment
unlawful in the employment, education or training
Androgyny (androgynous)- gender expression that
environment, and for other purposes.
has elements of both masculinity and femininity;
being masculine or feminine, as in dress, appearance, SECTION 2- the state shall value the dignity of every
or behavior individual, enhance the development of it human
resources, guarantee full respect for human rights,
Advocate- a person who actively works to end
and uphold the dignity of workers, employees,
intolerance, educate others, and support social equity
applicants for employment, students or those
for a marginalized group
undergoing training, instruction or education.
Ally- a person who supports and respect members of towards this end, all forms of sexual harassment in
LGBTQ community the employment, education or training environment
are hereby declared unlawful.
Cisgender-when someone’s sex assigned at birth and
gender identity correspond in the expected way. SECTION 3- WORK, EDUCATION OR TRAINING
RELATED SEXUAL HARASSMENT
Closeted- an individual who is not open to
themselves or others about their sexuality (queer) or WORK RELATED SEXUAL HARASSMENT
gender identity. also known as being in the closet .
the sexual favor is made as a condition in the hiring
Coming out- the process by which one accepts and/or or in the employment, reemployment or continued
comes to identify one’s own sexuality or gender employment of said individual or in granting said
identity (to come out to oneself) individual favorable compensation, terms, conditions,
promotions, or privileges; or the refusal to grant the
Gender binary- the idea that there are only two sexual favor results in limiting, segregating or
genders that every person is one of these two classifying the employee which in a way would
Gender expression- the external display of one’s discriminate, deprived, or diminish employment
gender, through a combination of clothing, grooming, opportunities or otherwise adversely affect said
demeanor, social behavior, and other factors, employee.
generally made sense of on scales of masculinity and • the above acts would impair the employee’s
femininity also referred to as “gender presentation” rights or privileges under existing labor laws
Gender fluid- a gender identity best described as a or
dynamic mix of boy and girl. • the above acts would result in an intimidating
hostile or offensive environment for the
employee.
Education/training related sexual harassment CLASSIFICATION OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT
-Against one who is under the care, custody or GRAVE OFFENCES
supervision of the offender;
1. Unwanted touching of private parts of the
-Against one whose education, training, body (genitalia, buttocks, and breasts);
apprenticeship or tutorship is entrusted to the
2. Sexual assault;
offender;
3. Malicious touching
-When the sexual favor is made a condition to the
giving of a passing grade, or the granting of honors 4. Requesting for sexual favor in exchange for
and scholarships, or the payment of a stipend, employment, promotion, local or foreign
allowance or other benefits, privileges, or travels, favorable working conditions or
considerations; or assignments, a passing grade, the granting of
honors or scholarship, or the grant of benefits
-When the sexual advances result in an intimidating,
or payment of a stipend or allowance, and
hostile or offensive environment for the student,
trainee, or apprentice. 5. Other analogous cases.
Any person who directs or induces another to LESS GRAVE OFFENCES
commit any act of sexual harassment as herein
defined, or who cooperates in the commission 1. Unwanted touching or brushing against a
thereof by another without which it would not have victim’s body;
been committed, shall also be held liable under this 2. Pinching not falling under grave offences;
act.
3. Derogatory or degrading remarks or
Sexual harassment may take place innuendos directed toward the members of
-In the premises of the workplace or office or of the one sex, or one’s sexual orientation or use to
school or training institution; described a person;

-In any place where the parties were found as a result 4. Verbal abuse with sexual overtones; and
of work or education or training responsibilities or 5. Other analogous cases
relations;
LIGHT OFFENCES
-At work or education or training-related social
functions; 1. Surreptitiously looking or staring a look of a
person’s private part or worn
-While on official business outside the office or school undergarments;
or training institution or during work or school or
training-related travel; 2. Telling sexiest/smutty jokes or sending these
through text, electronic mail or other similar
-At official conferences, fora, symposia or training means, causing embarrassment or offense
sessions; or and carried out after the offender has been
-By telephone, cellular phone, fax machine or advised that they are offensive or
electronic mail. embarrassing or, ever without such an advise,
when they are by their nature clearly
Illustrative forms of sexual harassment embarrassing, offensive or vulgar;
Physical 3. Malicious leering or ogling;
-Malicious touching; 4. The display of sexually offensive pictures,
materials or graffiti;
-Over sexual advances;
5. Unwelcome inquiries of comments about a
-Gestures with lewd insinuation
person’s sex life
Verbal
6. Unwelcome sexual flirtation, advances,
-Requests or demands for sexual favors; propositions;
-Lurid remarks 7. Making offensive hand or body gestures at an
employee;
Others
8. Persistent unwanted attention with sexual
-Use of objects, pictures or graphics, letters or writing
overtones;
notes with sexual underpinnings.
9. Unwelcome phone call with sexual overtones
causing discomfort, embarrassment offense or insult
to the receiver; and 10. Other analogous cases.
SECTION 4-DUTIES OF THE EMPLOYER • Any action arising from the violation of the
provision of this act shall prescribe in three
-Promulgate appropriate rules and regulations in
(3) years.
consultation with the jointly approve by the
employees or students or trainees, through their duly SECTION 8-SEPARABILITY CLAUSE
designated representatives, describing the
-if any portion of provision of this act is declared void
procedures for the investigation or sexual
and unconstitutional, the remaining portions or
harassment cases and the administrative sanctions
provision hereof shall not be affected by such
therefor.
declaration.
-Administrative sanctions shall not be a bar to
SECTION 9 - REPEALING CLAUSE
prosecution in the proper courts for unlawful acts of
sexual harassment. -all laws, decrees, order, rules and regulations other
issuances, or parts thereof inconsistent with the
-Create a committee on decorum and investigation of
provisions of this act are hereby repealed or modified
cases on sexual harassment. The committee shall
accordingly.
conduct meetings, as the case maybe, with other
officers and employees, teachers, instructors, SECTION 10-EFFECTIVITY CLAUSE
professors, coaches trainers and students or trainees
to increase understanding and prevent incidents of -this act shall take effect 15 days after its complete
sexual harassment. It shall also conduct the publication in at least two national newspaper of
investigation of the alleged cases constituting sexual general circulation.
harassment.
CONTENTS OF THE COMPLAINT R.A. 9262- ANTI-VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND
1. The full name and the address of the THEIR CHILDREN ACT OF 2004
complainant; -an act defining violence against women and their
2. The full name, address, and position of the children, providing for protective measures for
respondent; victims, prescribing penalties therefore, and for other
purposes.
3. A brief statement of the relevant facts;
-It seeks to address the prevalence of violence against
4. Evidence, in support of the complainant, if women and children (VAWC), abuses on women and
any; their children by their intimate partners like:
5. A certification of non-forum shopping.  Husband or ex-husband
SECTION 5-LIABILITIES  Live-in partner or ex-live in partner
-The employer or head office, educational training  Boyfriend/girlfriend or ex
institutions shall be solitarily liable for damage -boyfriend/ex-girlfriend
arising from the acts of sexual harassment committed
in the employment, education or training  Dating partner or ex-dating partner
environment if the employer or head office, -The Act classifies Violence Against Women and
educational or training institution is informed of such Children (VAWC) as a public crime.
acts by the offended party and no immediate action is
taken thereon. -It refers to any act or a series of acts committed by
any person against a woman who is his wife, former
SECTION 6- INDEPENDENT ACTION FOR DAMAGES wife, or against a woman with whom the person has
-Nothing in this act shall preclude the victim of work, or had a sexual or dating relationship, or with whom
education or training-related sexual harassment from he has a common child, or against her child whether
instituting a separate and independent action for legitimate or illegitimate, within or without the
damages and other affirmative reliefs. family abode, which result in or is likely to result in
physical, sexual, psychological harm or suffering, or
Section 7- penalties economic abuse including threats of such acts,
battery, assault, coercion, harassment or arbitrary
-Any person who violates the provisions of this act
deprivation of liberty.
shall, upon conviction, be penalized by imprisonment
of not less than one (1) month nor more than six (6) It includes, but is not limited to, the following acts:
months, or a fine of not less than ten thousand pesos
(10,000) nor more than twenty thousand pesos Physical violence- refers to acts that include bodily or
(20,000) , or both such fine and imprisonment at the physical harm;
discretion of the court. Sexual violence- refers to an act which is sexual in
nature, committed against a woman or her child.
Sexual violence includes, but is not limited to: -Attempting to compel or compelling the woman or
her child to engage in conduct which the woman or
-rape, sexual harassment, acts of lasciviousness,
her child has the right to desist from or desist from
treating a woman other child as a sex object, making
conduct which the woman or her child has the right
demeaning and sexually suggestive remarks,
to engage in, or attempting to restrict or restricting
physically attacking the sexual parts of the victim’s
the woman's or her child's freedom of movement or
body, forcing her/him to watch obscene publications
conduct by force or threat of force, physical or other
and indecent shows or forcing the woman or her
harm or threat of physical or other harm, or
child to do indecent acts and/or make films thereof,
intimidation directed against the woman or child.
forcing the wife and mistress/lover to live in the
This shall include, but not limited to, the following
conjugal home or sleep together in the same room
acts committed with the purpose or effect of
with the abuser;
controlling or restricting the woman's or her child's
-acts causing or attempting to cause the victim to movement or conduct:
engage in any sexual activity by force, threat of
>Threatening to deprive or actually
force, physical or other harm or threat of physical or
depriving the woman or her child of custody to
other harm or coercion;
her/his family.
-prostituting the woman or her child.
>Depriving or threatening to deprive the
Psychological violence- refers to acts or omissions woman or her children of financial support legally
causing or likely to cause mental or emotional due her or her family, or deliberately providing the
suffering of the victim such as but not limited to woman's children insufficient financial support.
intimidation, harassment, stalking, damage to
>Depriving or threatening to deprive the
property, public ridicule or humiliation, repeated
woman or her child of a legal right.
verbal abuse and marital infidelity. It includes
causing or allowing the victim to witness the physical, >Preventing the woman in engaging in any
sexual or psychological abuse of a member of the legitimate profession, occupation, business or activity
family to which the victim belongs, or to witness or controlling the victim's own mon4ey or properties,
pornography in any form or to witness abusive injury or solely controlling the conjugal or common money,
to pets or to unlawful or unwanted deprivation of the or properties.
right to custody and/or visitation of common
-Inflicting or threatening to inflict physical harm on
children.
oneself for the purpose of controlling her actions or
Economic abuse- refers to acts that make or attempt decisions.
to make a woman financially dependent which
-Causing or attempting to cause the woman or her
includes, but is not limited to the following:
child to engage in any sexual activity which does not
>Withdrawal of financial support or constitute rape, by force or threat of force, physical
preventing the victim from engaging in any legitimate harm, or through intimidation directed against the
profession, occupation, business or activity, except in woman or her child or her/his immediate family.
cases wherein the other spouse/partner objects on
-Engaging in purposeful, knowing, or reckless
valid, serious and moral grounds as defined in Article
conduct, personally or through another that alarms
73 of the Family Code;
or causes substantial emotional or psychological
>Deprivation or threat of deprivation of distress to the woman or her child. This shall include,
financial resources and the right to the use and but not be limited to, the following acts:
enjoyment of the conjugal, community or property
>Stalking or following the woman or her
owned in common;
child in public or private places.
>Destroying household property;
>Peering in the window or lingering outside
>Controlling the victims' own money or the residence of the woman or her child.
properties or solely controlling the conjugal money
>Entering or remaining in the dwelling or on
or properties.
the property of the woman or her child against
WHAT ARE THE FORM OF COMMITTING VAWC? her/his will.
-Causing physical harm to the woman or her child. >Destroying the property and personal
belongings or inflicting harm to animals or pets of the
-Threatening to cause the woman or her child
woman or her child.
physical harm.
>Engaging in any form of harassment or
-Attempting to cause the woman or her child physical
violence.
harm.
-Placing the woman or her child in fear of imminent
physical harm.
-Causing mental or emotional anguish, public ridicule -Lawyers, counselors, therapists, health care
or humiliation to the woman or her child, including, providers of the petitioner
but not limited to, repeated verbal and emotional
-At least two(2) concerned citizens of the city or
abuse, and denial of financial support or custody of
municipality where VAWC happened and who
minor children of access to the woman's
personal knowledge of the offense committed
child/children.
WHERE TO APPLY FOR A PROTECTION ORDER?
WHAT ARE THE PENALTIES FOR COMMITTING
VAWC? -Applications for BPOs shall follow the rules on venue
under Sec. 409 of the Local Government Code of 1991
Offenders proven in court to be guilty of the crime
and its implementing rules and regulations. An
shall be penalized with:
application for a TPO or PPO may be filed in the
• Imprisonment ranging from 1 month and 1 regional trial court, metropolitan trial court,
day to 20 years. municipal trial court, municipal circuit trial court
with territorial jurisdiction over the place of
• Payment of Php 100,000 to Php 300,000 in
residence of the petitioner: Provided, however, that if
damages.
a family court exists in the place of residence of the
• Mandatory psychological counseling or petitioner, the application shall be filed with that
psychiatric treatment. court.

WHERE SHOULD CASES FOR VAWC BE FILED? HOW TO APPLY FOR A PROTECTION ORDER?

Cases may be filed in the Regional Trial Court -The application for a protection order must be in
designated as FAMILY COURT of the place where the writing, signed and verified under oath by the
crime was committed. These courts have original and applicant. It may be filed as an independent action or
exclusive jurisdiction over these cases. as incidental relief in any civil or criminal case the
subject matter or issues thereof partakes of a
WHAT IS A PROTECTION ORDER? violence as described in this Act. A standard
-It is an order issued by the Barangay or the Court to protection order application form, written in English
prevent further acts of violence against a woman or with translation to the major local languages, shall be
her child and grant other necessary relief, under RA made available to facilitate applications for
2962. protections order, and shall contain, among other, the
following information:
-The relief granted under a protection order serve the
purpose of safeguarding the victim from further HOW TO APPLY FOR A PROTECTION ORDER?
harm, minimizing any disruption in the victim's daily -names and addresses of petitioner and respondent;
life, and facilitating the opportunity and ability of the
victim to independently regain control over her life. -description of relationships between petitioner and
The provisions of the protection order shall be respondent;
enforced by law enforcement agencies.
-a statement of the circumstances of the abuse;
-The protection orders that may be issued under this
-description of the reliefs requested by petitioner as
Act are:
specified in Sec. 8 herein;
>barangay protection order (BPO)
-request for counsel and reasons for such;
>temporary protection order (TPO)
-request for waiver of application fees until hearing;
>permanent protection order (PPO). and

WHO MAY APPLY FOR PROTECTION ORDER? -an attestation that there is no pending application
for a protection order in another court.
Any of the following may apply for protection order:
If the applicants is not the victim, the application
-The offended party must be accompanied by an affidavit of the applicant
-Parents, or guardians of the offended party attesting to (a) the circumstances of the abuse
suffered by the victim and (b) the circumstances of
-Ascendants, descendants or collateral relatives, consent given by the victim for the filling of the
within the fourth civil degree or consanguinity or application. When disclosure of the address of the
affinity victim will pose danger to her life, it shall be so stated
in the application. In such a case, the applicant shall
-Officers or social workers of the DSWD or LGU’s
attest that the victim is residing in the municipality or
-Police officers, preferably those in-charge of women city over which court has territorial jurisdiction, and
and children desk shall provide a mailing address for purpose of service
processing.
-Punong barangay or barangay kagawad
WHO GETS PROTECTED UNDER THE LAW? DUTIES OF PROSECUTORS/COURT PERSONNEL
-The law recognizes the unequal relations of a man -Prosecutors and court personnel should observe the
and a woman in an abusive relationship where it is following duties when dealing with victims under this
usually the woman who is the disadvantaged. Thus, Act:
the law protects the woman and her children.
>communicate with the victim in a language
-The victim, the child who is a minor (legitimate and understood by the woman or her child.
illegitimate), and a person aged 18 years and beyond
>inform the victim of her/his rights including legal
who doesn’t have the ability to decide for
remedies available and procedure, and privileges for
herself/himself because of an emotional, physical and
indigent litigants.
mental illness can make full use of the law.
HEALTHCARE PROVIDER RESPONSE TO ABUSE
-Any child under the care of a woman is also
protected under the law. Any healthcare provider, including, but not limited to,
an attending physician, nurse, clinician, barangay
WHAT CAN WOMEN AND CHILDREN DO UNDER RA
health worker, therapist or counselor who suspects
9262?
abuse or has been informed by the victim of violence
-The law allows women and their children to secure shall:
barangay protection order and/or temporary or
-properly document any of the victim's physical,
permanent protection order from the courts.
emotional or psychological injuries;
-They can also file an independent civil action for
-properly record any of victim's suspicions,
damages and criminal action for the violation of anti-
observations and circumstances of the examination
VAWC Act.
or visit;
WHAT IS BATTERED WOMAN SYNDROME (BWS)?
-automatically provide the victim free of charge a
-Refers to a scientifically defined pattern of medical certificate concerning the examination or
psychological and behavioral symptoms found in visit;
women living in battering relationships as a result of
-safeguard the records and make them available to
cumulative abuse.
the victim upon request at actual cost;
>RA 9262 acknowledges that women who have
-provide the victim immediate and adequate notice of
retailed against their partner or who commit violence
rights and remedies provided under this Act, and
as a form of self-defense may have suffered from
services available to them.
BWS.
DUTIES OF BARANGAY OFFICIALS AND LAW
>Any victim who suffers from Battered Woman
ENFORCERS
Syndrome should be diagnosed by a Psychiatric
expert or a clinical psychologist. This will also help -respond immediately to a call for help or request for
the victim in obtaining a just decision in her case. assistance or protection of the victim by entering the
necessary whether or not a protection order has been
>The law does not allow the offender to have custody
issued and ensure the safety of the victim/s;
of minor children. Their care is still entrusted to the
woman even if she is found to have BWS. -confiscate any deadly weapon in the possession of
the perpetrator or within plain view;
PROHIBITED DEFENSE
-transport or escort the victim/s to a safe place of
-Being under the influence of alcohol, any illicit drug,
their choice or to a clinic or hospital;
or any other mind altering substance shall not be a
defense under this Act. -assist the victim in removing personal belongs from
the house;
WHO GETS THE CUSTODY OF CHILDREN?
-assist the barangay officials and other government
-The woman victim of violence shall be entitled to the
officers and employees who respond to a call for
custody and support of her child/children. Children
help;
below seven (7) years old older but with mental or
physical disabilities shall automatically be given to -ensure the enforcement of the Protection Orders
the mother, with right to support, unless the court issued by the Punong Barangy or the courts;
finds compelling reasons to order otherwise.
-arrest the suspected perpetrator without a warrant
-A victim who is suffering from battered woman when any of the acts of violence defined by this Act is
syndrome shall not be disqualified from having occurring, or when he/she has personal knowledge
custody of her children. In no case shall custody of that any act of abuse has just been committed, and
minor children be given to the perpetrator of a there is imminent danger to the life or limb of the
woman who is suffering from Battered woman victim as defined in this Act; and
syndrome.
-immediately report the call for assessment or -Commission on Human rights (CHR)
assistance of the DSWD, social Welfare Department of
-Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC)
LGUs or accredited non-government organizations
(NGOs). -Department of Justice (DOJ)
Any barangay official or law enforcer who fails to -Department of the Interior and Local Government
report the incident shall be liable for a fine not (DILG)
exceeding Ten Thousand Pesos (P10,000.00) or
whenever applicable criminal, civil or administrative -Philippine National Police (PNP)
liability. -Department of Health (DOH)
DUTIES OF OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCIES AND -Department of Education (DepEd)
LGUS
-Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)
-Other government agencies and LGUs shall establish
programs such as, but not limited to, education and -National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
information campaign and seminars or symposia on
MANDATORY PROGRAMS AND SERVICES FOR
the nature, causes, incidence and consequences of
VICTIMS
such violence particularly towards educating the
public on its social impacts. -The DSWD, and LGU's shall provide the victims
temporary shelters, provide counseling, psycho-
-It shall be the duty of the concerned government
social services and /or, recovery, rehabilitation
agencies and LGU's to ensure the sustained education
programs and livelihood assistance.
and training of their officers and personnel on the
prevention of violence against women and their -The DOH shall provide medical assistance to victims.
children under the Act.
COUNSELING AND TREATMENT OF OFFENDERS
PROHIBITED ACTS
-The DSWD shall provide rehabilitative counseling
-A Punong Barangay, Barangay Kagawad or the court and treatment to perpetrators towards learning
hearing an application for a protection order shall not constructive ways of coping with anger and
order, direct, force or in any way unduly influence he emotional outbursts and reforming their ways. When
applicant for a protection order to compromise or necessary, the offender shall be ordered by the Court
abandon any of the reliefs sought in the application to submit to psychiatric treatment or confinement.
for protection under this Act.
CONFIDENTIALITY
RIGHTS OF VICTIMS
-All records pertaining to cases of violence against
-In addition to their rights under existing laws, women and their children including those in the
victims of violence against women and their children barangay shall be confidential and all public officers
shall have the following rights: and employees and public or private clinics to
hospitals shall respect the right to privacy of the
>to be treated with respect and dignity.
victim. Whoever publishes or causes to be published,
>to avail of legal assistance form the PAO of the in any format, the name, address, telephone number,
Department of Justice (DOJ) or any public legal school, business address, employer, or other
assistance office. identifying information of a victim or an immediate
family member, without the latter's consent, shall be
>To be entitled to support services form the DSWD liable to the contempt power of the court.
and LGUs‘.
-Any person who violates this provision shall suffer
>To be entitled to all legal remedies and support as the penalty of one (1) year imprisonment and a fine
provided for under the Family Code. of not more than Five Hundred Thousand pesos
>To be informed of their rights and the services (P500,000.00).
available to them including their right to apply for a
protection order.
INTER-AGENCY COUNCIL ON VIOLENCE AGAINST
WOMEN AND THEIR CHILDREN (IAC-VAWC).
-Department of Social Welfare and Development
(DSWD)
-National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women
(NCRFW)
-Civil Service Commission (CSC)
Republic Act No. 8972
-an act providing for benefits and privileges to solo (10) Any family member who assumes the
parents and their children, appropriating funds responsibility of head of family as a result of the
therefor and for other purposes death, abandonment, disappearance or prolonged
absence of the parents or solo parent.   A change in
SECTION 1. TITLE
the status or circumstance of the parent claiming
-This Act shall be known as the "Solo Parents' benefits under this Act, such that he/she is no longer
Welfare Act of 2000." left alone with the responsibility of parenthood, shall
terminate his/her eligibility for these benefits.
SECTION 2. DECLARATION OF POLICY.
"Children" - refer to those living with and dependent
-It is the policy of the State to promote the family as upon the solo parent for support who are unmarried,
the foundation of the nation, strengthen its solidarity unemployed and not more than eighteen 18 years of
and ensure its total development. Towards this end, it age, or even over eighteen (18) years but are
shall develop a comprehensive program of services incapable of self-support because of mental and/or
for solo parents and their children to be carried out physical defect/disability.
by the DSWD, DOH, DECS, CHED, TESDA, NHA, DOLE
and other related government and nongovernment "Parental responsibility" - with respect to their
agencies. minor children shall refer to the rights and duties of
the parents as defined in Article 220 of Executive
SECTION 3. DEFINITION OF TERMS. Order No. 209, as amended, otherwise known as the
-Whenever used in this Act, the following terms shall "Family Code of the Philippines."
mean as follows: "Parental leave" - shall mean leave benefits granted
"Solo parent" - any individual who falls under any of to a solo parent to enable him/her to perform
the following categories: parental duties and responsibilities where physical
presence is required.
(1) A woman who gives birth as a result of rape and
other crimes against chastity even without a final "Flexible work schedule" - is the right granted to a
conviction of the offender: Provided, That the mother solo parent employee to vary his/her arrival and
keeps and raises the child; departure time without affecting the core work hours
as defined by the employer.
(2) Parent left solo or alone with the responsibility of
parenthood due to death of spouse;   SECTION 4. CRITERIA FOR SUPPORT

(3) Parent left solo or alone with the responsibility of -Any solo parent whose income in the place of
parenthood while the spouse is detained or is serving domicile falls below the poverty threshold as set by
sentence for a criminal conviction for at least one (1) the National Economic and Development Authority
year: (NEDA) and subject to the assessment of the DSWD
worker in the area shall be eligible for assistance:
(4) Parent left solo or alone with the responsibility of Provided, however, That any solo parent whose
parenthood due to physical and/or mental incapacity income is above the poverty threshold shall enjoy the
of spouse as certified by a public medical benefits mentioned in Sections 6, 7 and 8 of this Act.
practitioner;
Section 5. Comprehensive Package of Social
(5) Parent left solo or alone with the responsibility of Development and Welfare Services.
parenthood due to legal separation or de facto
separation from spouse for at least one (1) year, as -A comprehensive package of social development and
long as he/she is entrusted with the custody of the welfare services for solo parents and their families
children;   will be developed by the DSWD, DOH, DECS, CHED,
TESDA, DOLE, NHA and DILG, in coordination with
(6) Parent left solo or alone with the responsibility of local government units and a nongovernmental
parenthood due to declaration of nullity or organization with proven track record in providing
annulment of marriage as decreed by a court or by a services for solo parents.
church as long as he/she is entrusted with the
custody of the children;   -The DSWD shall coordinate with concerned agencies
the implementation of the comprehensive package of
(7) Parent left solo or alone with the responsibility social development and welfare services for solo
of parenthood due to abandonment of spouse for at parents and their families. The package will initially
least one (1) year; include:
(8) Unmarried mother/father who has preferred to (a) Livelihood development services which include
keep and rear her/his child/children instead of trainings on livelihood skills, basic business
having others care for them or give them up to a management, value orientation and the provision of
welfare institution;   seed capital or job placement.  
(9) Any other person who solely provides parental
care and support to a child or children;  
 (b) Counseling services which include individual, SECTION 11. MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
peer group or family counseling. This will focus on
-The DOH shall develop a comprehensive health care
the resolution of personal relationship and role
program for solo parents and their children. The
conflicts.
program shall be implemented by the DOH through
(c) Parent effectiveness services which include the their retained hospitals and medical centers and the
provision and expansion of knowledge and skills of local government units (LGUs) through their
the solo parent on early childhood development, provincial/district/city/muni cipal hospitals and
behavior management, health care, rights and duties rural health units (RHUs).
of parents and children.
SECTION 12. ADDITIONAL POWERS AND
(d) Critical incidence stress debriefing which FUNCTIONS OF THE DSWD
includes preventive stress management strategy
-The DSWD shall perform the following additional
designed to assist solo parents in coping with crisis
powers and functions relative to the welfare of solo
situations and cases of abuse.
parents and their families:
(e) Special projects for individuals in need of
>Conduct research necessary to:
protection which include temporary shelter,
counseling, legal assistance, medical care, self- (1) develop a new body of knowledge on solo
concept or ego-building, crisis management and parents;
spiritual enrichment.
(2) define executive and legislative measures needed
SECTION 6. FLEXIBLE WORK SCHEDULE. to promote and protect the interest of solo parents
and their children; and
The employer shall provide for a flexible working
schedule for solo parents: Provided, That the same (3) assess the effectiveness of programs designed for
shall not affect individual and company productivity: disadvantaged solo parents and their children;  
Provided, further, That any employer may request
exemption from the above requirements from the >Coordinate the activities of various governmental
DOLE on certain meritorious grounds. and nongovernmental organizations engaged in
promoting and protecting the interests of solo
SECTION 7. WORK DISCRIMINATION. parents and their children; and
-no employer shall discriminate against any solo >Monitor the implementation of the provisions of
parent employee with respect to terms and this Act and suggest mechanisms by which such
conditions of employment on account of his/her provisions are effectively implemented.
status.
SECTION 14. APPROPRIATIONS.
SECTION 8. PARENTAL LEAVE
-The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of
In addition to leave privileges under existing laws, this Act shall be included in the budget of concerned
parental leave of not more than seven (7) working government agencies in the General Appropriations
days every year shall be granted to any solo parent Act of the year following its enactment into law and
employee who has rendered service of at least one thereafter.
(1) year.
SECTION 15. REPEALING CLAUSE.
SECTION 9. EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS.
-All laws, decrees, executive orders, administrative
The DECS, CHED and TESDA shall provide the orders or parts thereof inconsistent with the
following benefits and privileges: provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended
or modified accordingly.
(1) Scholarship programs for qualified solo parents
and their children in institutions of basic, tertiary and SECTION 16. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE
technical/skills education; and
- If any provision of this Act is held invalid or
(2) Non-formal education programs appropriate for unconstitutional, other provisions not affected
solo parents and their children.   The DECS, CHED and thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.
TESDA shall promulgate rules and regulations for the
proper implementation of this program. SECTION 17. EFFECTIVITY CLAUSE.

SECTION 10. HOUSING BENEFITS. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following
its complete publication in the Official Gazette or in at
-Solo parents shall be given allocation in housing least two (2) newspaper of general circulation.
projects and shall be provided with liberal terms of
payment on said government low cost housing
projects in accordance with housing law provisions
prioritizing applicants below the poverty line as
declared by the NEDA.